Explore "writing memoir" with insightful episodes like "Episode 189 - Scott Fishman and Using Dialogue in Memoir", "Mainely Memoir Retreat with with Susanne Dunlap, Suzette Mullen, and Barbara Boyd", "Writing A Memoir with Andrea Savage", "46 - James Miller, Author, A Small Fiction: Freedom via Limitation - The Magic of Discipline Inside Your Creative Practice" and "Guest Interview – Fiona Thomas – How To Make a Living As A Freelance Writer" from podcasts like ""The Dialogue Doctor Podcast", "Your Writing Retreat Connection", "Your Writing Retreat Connection", "Creative Genius" and "Begin - Derbyshire Writing School Podcast"" and more!
In this episode, Jeff sits down with Scott Fishman to talk about the memoir Scott is writing. They talk about the use of italics, using paragraph spacing to break up blocks of text making it more readable, using conversational spacing to create the feeling of dialogue, building to a dramatic summary conclusion at the end of a story, and more.
For more on dialogue, check out https://dialoguedoctor.com/
In this episode I talked with Susanne Dunlap, Suzette Mullen, and Barbara Boyd about their Mainely Memoir Writing Retreat.
All three of them are Author Accelerator Certified Book Coaches and we had great conversations about how their retreat guests will get feedback and perspectives from all three of them, as well as the powerful impact their retreat had on them and their participants.
We also chatted about why they didn't hesitate to plan their second writing retreat immediately after their first one, and why they have a coaching session with each writer before the retreat date.
We covered a lot more topics that writers and writing retreat hosts will be very interested in so make sure to listen to the whole episode.
Show Links:
Mainely Memoir Writing Retreat (click on Meet the Coaches link to find out more about each of them).
Preorder The Only Way Through is Out by Suzette Mullen
Susanne Dunlap's books and how to work with her
Bookshop.org (to find and support independent bookstores)
Email List Building for Writing Retreat Hosts Workshop
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Resources:
Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.
Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)
Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:
On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory
On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory
On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory
Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!
I had a wonderful conversation with Andrea Savage about writing her memoir that focuses on the time she spent in the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa in her mid-twenties.
She attended several Writeaways Writing Retreats to help keep her on track and understand how to structure her story, and found they also helped her be more honest with herself about what she was writing.
We also chatted about how feedback from the retreat instructors and fellow writers improved her writing and motivated her, how the pandemic upended her writing progress, the joy she gets from writing, and why publishing doesn't have to be your end goal.
Show Links:
----------
Resources:
Get the latest information about promoting, planning, or finding a writing retreat.
Writing Retreat Hosts Community Facebook Group (for current and aspiring writing retreat hosts)
Connect with Lisa & the Writing Retreat Directory:
On Instagram @writingretreatdirectory
On Facebook @writingretreatdirectory
On LinkedIn @writingretreatdirectory
Make sure to hit subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode!
One of the most powerful moments in this episode was when Kate and James talked about James's commitment to daily writing for nearly eight years. The transformative power of a consistent creative practice is hard to ignore. Through his journey, James experienced significant shifts, gained a substantial readership, and secured a publishing deal. The conversation emphasizes the therapeutic nature of creativity, particularly in dealing with anxiety and depression. Listeners are encouraged to tap into their own creative potential and explore the ways in which creative expression can facilitate personal development and emotional well-being.
Thank you for joining us on this marvellous conversation with James Miller.
Remember to sign up for the 21-day Creative Ritual Challenge on the Creative Genius Patreon platform to experience transformative shifts in your own creative practice. Explore the wealth of bonus episodes, journal worksheets, painting workshops, guided meditations, and more available to Creative Genius Patrons. Visit Kate Shepherd Creative.com or go to Patreon.com/CreativeGeniusPodcast to activate your membership and unlock the creative genius within you.
Episode 53 – Guest Interview – Fiona Thomas
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week!
Fiona Thomas – from Fionalikestoblog.com
Fiona Thomas is an author and freelance writer with work published in iPaper, Grazia, Happiful Magazine and Huffington Post. Her most recent book Out of Office: Ditch the 9-5 and Be Your Own Boss. They have featured Fiona in Stylist, Forbes, Daily Mail and shortlisted her for a Business Book Award.
In this episode, we ask Fiona:
You can find more about Fiona at:
You can buy Fiona’s books on Amazon:
If you liked this episode, we want to hear from you, email info@derbyshirewritingschool.com or send us a voice message.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 52 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Writing Workshop
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the tool of a writing workshop.
At Derbyshire Writing School, we run courses, workshops, and retreats to help you develop your work. We are planning some exciting writing workshops centred around critique and development of your creative work and events that simple celebrate time to write. To find out more, sign up to our monthly newsletter.
Inspiration to writers from Steven Pressfield
Stephen King writes in his book On Writing – “Writing is a lonely job. Having someone who believes in you makes a lot of difference. They don’t have to make speeches. Just believing is usually enough.”
Send someone you know a note of encouragement today.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Thanks for listening!
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Where Do Ideas Come From?
Where do ideas come from? Do find you have a never-ending supply of creativity coursing through your mind? Or do you struggle to find inspiration?
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about creativity – where they find ideas spark and how they develop those ideas. They also ask, can we have too many ideas?
Where to look for ideas?
PERSONAL PROJECTS – In this section, we share what we’ve been working on.
Pete and Laura discuss the week’s activities – Laura is working on the second Everyday Storytellers book. Pete mentions the discovery of the new writing and formatting software Atticus.
Recommended Product of the Week – Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Laura is recommending - Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon.
“Where do you get your ideas?” The honest artist answers, “I steal them.” ― Austin Kleon
Pete is reading – Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Virtual Worlds - The Impact of Converging Technologies On Authors and the Publishing Industry by Joanna Penn.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? - How are we building the business this week?
This week Laura shared a new project she working on: Get ready for - The 12 Days of Journaling!
Episode 43 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo = National Novel Writing Month.
It started back in 1999 in the States and has grown into a vast community. It’s a non-profit organisation, with the sole aim of helping you to tell your story. The challenge is to write 1,700 words a day, every day for a month.
There are a few rules:
Should You Take Part In NaNoWriMo?
Writing a novel in a month might not be for everyone. But, there are lots of benefits for taking part and saying ‘yes’ to the challenge!
Our Top Tips for A Successful NaNoWriMo
1. Plan your story.
2. Plan your writing routine.
3. Ask friends to help keep you accountable.
4. Track your progress!
Some fantastic books have been born during NaNoWriMo. The most famous is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. It became a film with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson! You can check out some more great NaNoWriMo novels in this article, too.
We’d love to know if you will join NaNoWriMo in 2021 - Send us a message now!
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 42 – The Writer’s Toolbox – A Writing Tribe
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of a Writing Tribe to the toolbox.
Writing can feel lonely. Not just the act of tapping away at the keys, but losing yourself in your work and wondering if another pair of eyes will ever read it.
Creating a writing tribe can be a wonderful way to find motivation, encouragement, accountability, and community. That’s why this week we are adding the tool of the writing tribe to our writer’s toolbox.
What Is A Writing Tribe?
A writing tribe is simply a writing community. It’s a group of like-minded people, a group of writers that support each other, a group of friends or professionals with something in common – writing.
It’s important to note that a writing tribe can look different to different people.
A writing tribe can also offer motivation and accountability.
Where Do We Find A Writing Tribe?
How can Derbyshire Writing School help?
The 3% Club – Online Writing Community. We offer group programmes, like our 3% Club, to help you meet other writers and network.
Our Time to Write online programme can also help you to feel part of a writing tribe. We believe in you and your story, so keep going!
We’d love to know how you got on with the tool of a writer’s tribe. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 41 - Guest Interview - Chris Gregory - How To Write Audio Drama
Chris Gregory is the founder of the Alternative Stories and Fake Realities Podcast.
Alternative Stories have provided content to BBC and North American radio stations, represented the UK at the International Radio Drama Festival for the past two years and has been nominated for many Audio Verse Awards (for podcast drama) as well as nominated for Best Arts Podcast in this year's Discover Pods awards.
The podcast provides opportunities for writers to hear their work professionally produced and shared with the podcast’s global audience.
Chris also runs workshops on writing for audio drama and many aspects of recording, performance, and podcasting for writers and publishers. His four-part audio drama "Anglia" appeared on Alternative Stories.
Pete and Laura ask Chris:-
Where to find the - Alternative Stories Podcast
Twitter - @StoriesAlt
Instagram - @stories.alt
Apple Podcasts - Alternative Stories and Fake Realities
Website - Alternative Stories and Fake Realities
Email Chris - Chris Gregory office@alternativestories.com
Training Course - Introductory workshop about writing audio drama
Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful or your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
We have a guest in The Writers’ Room this week - Alex Davis. Alex is an author and literature professional based in Derby. Today he joins Pete and Laura to talk about How To Write A Ghost Story.
As a writer, Alex has published a novel - THE LAST WAR - a science-fiction novel and a non-fiction book along with 50+ short stories and poems. Among them four short stories called - FIGHTING CATS AND DOGS.
Alex currently works as an Associate Lecturer in Creative and Professional Writing for the University of Derby, and is a freelance copy-editor, proofreader, and events organiser.
Alex also works as Literature Officer for Derby's QUAD venue, where he organises a host of year-round writing activities.
Pete and Laura ask Alex:-
1. Where did your interest in reading and writing ghost stories start?
2. What are the key elements to writing ghost stories?
3. How can we create the tension and suspense that's needed in our writing?
4. How do you decide on a 'scare' level for the story?
5. Are there any specific books you'd recommend to listeners as 'classic' or must-read ghost stories? And how can reading these help to write ghost stories?
6. Setting is so important for these types of stories. Can you tell us more about how to choose a setting? And is it true that Derbyshire has an affinity for ghost stories?
7. We heard a rumour that you are hosting a UK-wide ghost story festival. Can you tell us more about this?
For information on the Ghost Story Festival 2021 -
Read about the most recent festival.
Follow the Ghost Story Festival on Twitter
You can find more about Alex and the services he offers also at his website - Alex Davis Writing.
You can find Alex on Twitter at @AlexDavis1981 where you can find the details of his online courses.
If you enjoyed this episode with Alex, you’ll enjoy Episode 12 - Hot Seat Interview - Alex Davis - How To Self Edit Your Writing.
Episode 35 - How Do I Find Time To Write?
In THE WRITERS’ ROOM - How Do I Find Time To Write?
Finding time to write feels impossible. There is always something else that seems more important. As they say, a writer’s house is never as clean as just before they sit down to write! But in all seriousness, how do we find time to write? That’s the question we’re tackling in the Writer’s Room on this episode of the podcast.
We all like the feeling of having written, but sometimes having to write doesn’t come easy! It’s hard - simply it takes discipline and habit and sometimes ‘life’ gets in the way. It is the same for everyone.
“Most successful authors began their writing career in the margins of their normal life.” Gist MacDonald.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete talks about his new writing project on Substack – The Art of Memorialising - The Art of Memorialising newsletter helps you learn the latest news about digital immortality, digital legacy, digital life curation, and all things #Deathtech.
Laura talks about her new website - Laura Stroud Author
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND – What books are we reading this week?
Pete talks about The Boron Letters by Gary Halbert, while Laura reflects on Glorious Rock Bottom by Bryony Gordon – Non-fiction writing that reads like fiction.
Recommended Product of the Week – Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Not tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Then try Audible for 30 days free by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School Not only will you have time to hear a book for free, but by using our link, it helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK? – How are we building the business this week?
The 3% Club – Online Writing Community
Do you struggle to find the time to write? Do you worry about how to move your novel forward? Do you wish someone would keep you accountable? If you said yes, The 3% Club is for you. An online writing community filled with practical and creative advice to help you finish your novel.
PERSONAL UPDATES – What’s going on in our lives?
Dad and daughter - Pete and Laura - are walking The Limestone Way together.
Thank you for being a part of our journey so far. We are glad you’re here and we are grateful for your support. We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
We have reached the last episode of season one! For 33 weeks we’ve shown up week in and week out and have lots of fun creating this podcast, but this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you soon.
Taking 9 weeks off for summer, we will work hard to plan and create the best podcast episodes about writing. We are writers and we want to share what we’re learning to help you grow as a writer too.
So we will be back on September 3rd for more interviews, toolbox episodes and dad and daughter chats.
In this episode, Pete and Laura chat about the podcast season one. They decide on their favourite podcast episodes and top moments from season one.
Oh, and have some laughs along the way!
Pete mentions Ann Handley’s Newsletter Tips
Everybody Writes Writing Tip of the Fortnight
Write four drafts to everything:
Recommended Product of the Week - Audible
Laura and Pete have benefited from having an audiobook subscription with Audible.
Have you tried ‘reading’ the latest books while out walking or doing a job around the house? Why not try Audible for FREE for 30 days by using our affiliate link - Audible - Derbyshire Writing School. Not only will you have time to hear a book for free but using our link, helps support the work of Derbyshire Writing School. Thanks!
Books Mentioned:-
Think Big: Take Small Steps and Build the Future You Want – Dr Grace Lordan
Lifespan: Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To – Dr David A. Sinclair
During the summer Pete is starting a newsletter on Substack. It’s called The Art of Memorialising - you can sign up HERE.
We will be back in September.
We would love to hear from you! - info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 31 - Guest Interview - Lucy Thorpe - How Do I Become A Freelance Writer?
Lucy Thorpe is a freelance writer who works with brands and publications in health, lifestyle, beauty and marketing. Lucy writes content, copy, editorial and provides marketing services to businesses around the world.
For more information, visit - www.lucythorpecontent.com
In this episode of the podcast, Laura and Pete chat with Lucy about the highs and lows, benefits and challenges of being a full-time freelance writer.
Laura and Pete ask Lucy:
Lucy recommends the book – You’re the Business: How to Build a Successful Career When You Strike Out Alone by Anna Codrea-Rado
For more information and to get in touch with Lucy, visit - www.lucythorpecontent.com
Episode 30 - The Writer’s Toolbox - The Tool of Editing
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of editing as a writer.
Hate it or love it, editing is a huge part of writing. We can’t avoid it, so it’s best to embrace it and ensure it’s part of or writing process. In this “Toolbox” podcast Peter and Laura chat about what we mean by editing?
What are the four different types of editing?
What editing tools we can use?
Is using the tool of editing worth it?
Editing in an essential part of the creative process. It can’t be rushed or avoided. Make time in your plans to ensure editing is central to your development as a writer.
You won’t regret it!
We’d love to know how you got on editing as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 29 - The Writer’s Toolbox - Constructing Characters
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of constructing characters as a writer.
This week we are looking at the tool of characterisation and specifically ‘how to get inside your character’s head.’
Why You Need To Get Inside Your Character’s Head?
Getting inside your character’s head is never time wasted.
Prompts To Help You Develop A Character
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.
You don’t need to worry about finding those ideas anymore because our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help. Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.
We’d love to know how you got on constructing characters as a writer. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
Episode 28 - Hot Seat Interview - Laura Stroud - Founder of Derbyshire Writing School
We are back in the writers’ room and we have a guest in our hot seat this week! I am really pleased to interview Derbyshire author, and the founder of Derbyshire Writing School, Laura Stroud.
Pete asks Laura several questions about her writing and how they came to start Derbyshire Writing School.
Books By Laura Stroud
You Can Find More About Laura:
Laura at Derbyshire Writing School
Laura is Chief Storyteller at Stories From A Backpack – Travel Blog
Peak District Events - Laura runs wedding planning workshops and offers on-the-day coordination.
Episode 27 - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?
THE WRITERS’ ROOM - Why Should I Use Writing Prompts?
“Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five or six of them. Most people don’t see any.” — Orson Scott
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about the benefit of using writing prompts. Following on from the launch of The Prompt Box subscription, they discuss how writing prompts can be like training your writing muscles. How they can be a catalyst for new ideas, and how finding many ideas brings the marvellous stories to the surface of our minds and out into the world.
Want to send a question? You can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura starts the research for book two in the Everyday Storytellers series. While Pete sidesteps after reading Successful Aging by Daniel J. Levitin, finding new ideas that help the editing of his travel memoir.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Pete considers how using the Aphoristic style of writing could be an interesting idea with a fiction character, while Laura regains the fun and adventure starting the journey of a new book.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Or do you want to inject some joy back into your creative writing? The Prompt Box can help.
Each month you’ll get a collection of bespoke and unique creative writing prompts delivered to your door, to get you unblocked and writing again. And just like how no person or story is the same, no box of ideas is the same either.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse is intriguing Pete. It’s the toughest book he has picked up for a time, and leaving him confused and wanting to work at mining its secrets. Laura is reading - Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for a New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers.
PERSONAL UPDATES - What’s going on in our lives?
Pete and Laura met up for the first time in ages and shared a home-cooked ‘Pub Lunch' and celebrated the publication of Laura’s book.
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Want to send a question? You can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.
THE WRITERS’ ROOM
In the Writers’ Room this week, Pete and Laura chat about writing non-fiction.
Pete’s non-fiction books are:
Laura’s non-fiction books are -
If you would like to send a question or tell us about your experiences of writing non-fiction, you can write to Pete and Laura at info@derbyshirewritingschool.com.
OUR CURRENT PROJECT UPDATES - What writing projects are we working on & what’s happened this week?
Laura celebrates the publication of her ‘How to Plan Your DIY Wedding’ book (with a cheesy cheer added by Pete) and Pete is working through his memoir utilising the ‘show not tell’ advice from Alex Davis in episode 25.
LESSONS WE’VE LEARNED THIS WEEK - What have we learned about writing & publishing this week?
Laura and Pete reflect on the power of words.
Recommended Product of the Week - The Prompt Box
Have you ever stared at a blank screen and felt stuck for words? Like all your ideas have dried up. Are you feeling empty or uninspired? Do you need help to get your ideas moving? Our monthly writing prompt subscription box is here to help.
BOOKS WE ARE READING AND RECOMMEND - What books are we reading this week?
Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse is intriguing Pete. It’s been a difficult book to read, leaving him confused and wanting to work at mining its secrets.
Laura is reading Wintering: The power of rest and retreat in difficult times by Katherine May.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT DERBYSHIRE WRITING SCHOOL THIS WEEK?
The Launch of Prompt Box. The Prompt Box will boost your imagination and ensure your writing is filled with joy and fun!
Episode 24 - The Writer’s Toolbox - What are Morning Pages?
In this episode, Pete and Laura take another delve into The Writer’s Toolbox and add the tool of ‘Morning Pages’.
Julia Cameron made this tool famous in her book called ‘The Artist’s Way’.
“In order to retrieve your creativity, you’ll need to find it. I ask you to do this by an apparently pointless process I call the morning pages… Morning Pages are meant to be, simply the act of moving the hand across the page and writing down whatever comes to mind.”
Why are Morning Pages important?
Try these writing prompts for your morning pages
“Why do we write morning pages? To get to the other side.” – Julia Cameron.
We’d love to know how you got on trying Morning Pages. Use the email below and tell us how you have used this tool in your writing.
We want to hear from you! info@derbyshirewritingschool.com
Send us a voice message - through Speakpipe.
Thanks for listening!
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